"I welcome today’s adoption of the resolution on the “International Day of Women and Girls in Science”. It demonstrates the continuing resolve and commitment of Member States to eliminate gender inequality in science, employment, opportunities and education.

By calling for an International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the General Assembly is positioning itself to address concerns that require the deliberative, multilateral authority of the Assembly for effective implementation and follow-through.

Together, we must prioritize quality, equality and parity in science, empower women and girls in science, and provide comprehensive assistance and empowerment to transforming the world in dignity and peace by eliminating the gender disparity in science education at all levels... "

"For too long, discriminatory stereotypes have prevented women and girls from having equal access to education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). As a trained engineer and former teacher, I know that these stereotypes are flat wrong. They deny women and girls the chance to realize their potential – and deprive the world of the ingenuity and innovation of half the population.

On this International Day, I urge commitment to end bias, greater investments in STEM education for all women and girls as well as opportunities for their careers and longer-term professional advancement so that all can benefit from their ground-breaking future contributions."

António Guterres11 February 2017

Speech of H.E. Mr. Peter Thomson, President of the 71st Session of the General Assembly10 February 2017

"Speaking as a grandfather, like the majority of us, I want a future for our young ones that is safe and secure. One which enables them to reach their full potential in life, by working counter, the impediments that exists, You are helping the next generations of women scientists, mathematicians and leaders to comfortably taken their rightful places in society. I commend you to your work."